Practical Encyclopedia of Drawing - Softcover

This title combines pencils, pens and pastels; observing and measuring; perspective; shading; line drawing; sketching; texture; using negative spaces; and, composition. Discover the pleasure and practicalities of drawing with this comprehensive fully-illustrated step-by-step reference book. This is a practical introduction to all aspects of drawing from beginners to intermediates, with full technical instruction and easy-to-follow step-by-step projects. It includes a complete guide to all the artist's materials and equipment you will need, including monochrome and coloured pencils, charcoal, wax crayons, chalks, soft pastels, conte sticks, pen and ink, easels and the various types of drawing paper. It provides expert instruction on different drawing techniques, with small-scale practice exercises: drawing outlines and blending, as well as fundamental principles such as understanding perspective, composition and colour. It features 25 original step-by-step projects, specially commissioned from leading professional artists, which allow you to learn and practise the techniques in action, and create your own works of art. From graphite pencils and charcoals to soft pastels and crayons, the art of drawing encompasses a variety of mediums and techniques, all of which are comprehensively covered in this beautiful book. Part one, 'Getting Started', explains the materials and equipment needed before going on to describe the most popular drawing techniques through a series of short practice exercises. Part two, 'Drawing Projects', has over 25 easy-to-follow, step-by-step projects. Commissioned from leading artists, the projects include colour photographs of every stage of the drawing. From a simple study of a grandmother with a child, to a modern city skyline, there is something here for everybody. Also extremely helpful are the 'quick sketch' projects which show how you might approach these subjects in 5-, 15- and 30-minute drawings. Packed with practical and artistic advice and tips, and with over 750 step-by-step photographs, this reference book is a must for both complete beginners and more experienced artists looking for inspiration.

Ian Sidaway originally trained as a graphic designer and has been working as a freelance artist since 1970. He is the author of 20 art techniques books, including The Practical Encyclopedia of Acrylics, Oil and Gouache, also published by Southwater. Sarah Hoggett is a freelance writer who specializes in practical art and photography titles. As former Editorial Director of a major London publishing house, she has wide-ranging experience of producing highly illustrated books.